Roland Garros: A Practical Guide to the French Open
By: Jean-Paul and Jessica - Published May 25, 2025, Updated March 2, 2026
If you're heading to Roland Garros for the first time, there's a lot we wish someone had told us before our own debut. It's not just another tennis tournament. It's a slice of French culture, with its own pace, etiquette, and quirks. Think champagne in the stands, perfectly dressed fans, and families picnicking courtside while players compete just meters away.
We've learned (sometimes the hard way) what works and what doesn't. This guide covers everything we'd tell our own friends before they go, from how to actually get tickets to what shoes will save your feet on those hilly grounds.
Roland Garros 2026 runs from May 18 to June 7. Qualifying takes place May 18 to 22, the main draw runs May 24 to June 7, and night sessions happen nightly from May 24 through June 3. All tickets are now 100% digital through the official Roland-Garros mobile app.
At a Glance: First-Timer's Essentials
2026 dates: May 18 to June 7 (qualifying May 18 to 22, main draw May 24 to June 7)
Best ticket strategy: Grounds pass, especially during Week 1
Best arrival time: By 10 AM to enter when gates open, or 11:30 AM for a less crowded entrance
Smartest route: Métro Line 10 to Porte d'Auteuil (1-minute walk to checkpoint)
What to wear: Smart casual with layers
What to pack: Sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, portable charger, and a fully charged phone
Bag limit: 15 liters maximum. Larger bags must be left at luggage storage outside the checkpoints.
New for 2026: All tickets are 100% mobile via the official Roland-Garros app. No paper tickets accepted. No re-entry once you leave.
How Do Roland Garros Tickets Work in 2026?
Grounds passes get you access to all outside courts, the high stands of Court Simonne-Mathieu, and the general grounds. They're budget-friendly and great for first-timers who want to roam between matches without committing to one court.
Reserved seats for Court Philippe-Chatrier (15,000 seats) and Court Suzanne-Lenglen (10,000 seats) are pricier and sell out fast. Philippe-Chatrier tickets cover day sessions (starting at 11 AM, typically three matches) or night sessions (8:15 PM, one featured match). Suzanne-Lenglen tickets are day session only, covering four matches.
No re-entry is allowed. Once you leave the stadium, your ticket is no longer valid. Plan your day accordingly.
Jean-Paul: "Our advice for first-timers? Get a grounds pass for the first week when the atmosphere is relaxed and all the top players are still in the draw. Then if you get hooked, splurge on a reserved seat for the later rounds."
When Do Roland Garros 2026 Tickets Go on Sale?
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) uses a public draw system for main draw tickets. For 2026, registration for the draw closed in December 2025, with selected buyers assigned purchase slots in early 2026. A second sales round opened on March 31 at 10 AM CET on a first-come, first-served basis for Opening Week and second-week outside court tickets.
Jean-Paul: "Keep checking the official ticketing site at tickets.rolandgarros.com. Tickets can reappear unexpectedly as allocations shift. Persistence pays off."
What Is Opening Week at Roland Garros?
Opening Week (May 18 to 22) is qualifying week, and it's one of the most underrated experiences at Roland Garros. Standard tickets give you free seating on all courts, including watching top players train on Philippe-Chatrier. The atmosphere is relaxed, family-friendly, and far less crowded. The FFT adds entertainment and music throughout. Gates during Opening Week open at 9 AM (earlier than the main draw).
Jessica: "We went during Opening Week for the first time last year and honestly? It was more fun than we expected. The lines are short and you’re so close to the players!"
Do I Need the Roland-Garros App for My Ticket?
Yes. All tickets are 100% mobile through the official Roland-Garros app. No paper tickets, no screenshots, no exceptions. You must download the app, create an account, and have your tickets loaded before you arrive. If someone transfers tickets to you, you'll receive a recovery code by email to import them into the app.
Jessica: "Charge your phone before you leave. If your battery dies at the gate, you can get help from customer service, but the wait can be very long. Bring a power bank. There are also phone charging stations throughout the grounds (lockers where you plug in, set a code, and pick up later), but don't rely on finding an open one."
How Do You Get to Roland Garros?
The fastest route is Métro Line 10 to Porte d'Auteuil, which puts you a 1-minute walk from the PPO Auteuil security checkpoint. There is no dedicated métro stop at the stadium itself.
Roland Garros sits in Paris's 16th arrondissement (ahr-ohn-dees-mahn), on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. You can't walk straight to the stadium entrances. Everyone must pass through one of three Mandatory Checkpoints (PPO): Auteuil, Molitor, or Boulogne. These are security perimeters you pass through before reaching the actual stadium gates.
Line 10:
Porte d'Auteuil: 1-minute walk to PPO Auteuil. The fastest, easiest route.
Michel-Ange Molitor: 9-minute walk to PPO Molitor.
Boulogne Jean-Jaurès: 11-minute walk to PPO Boulogne.
Line 9:
Michel-Ange Auteuil: 8-minute walk to PPO Auteuil.
Michel-Ange Molitor: 9-minute walk to PPO Molitor.
Jean-Paul: "Buy your return métro ticket before you leave the station in the morning. After the matches end, the queues at the machines can be very long."
Can You Drive to Roland Garros?
Not recommended. Street parking around the stadium is reserved for local residents and strictly enforced (tickets and towing). Paid public car parks exist nearby (Porte d'Auteuil, Point-du-Jour, Parchamp), but they fill up quickly. If you must drive, arrive very early.
Taxi and ride-share: You'll be dropped at the PPO checkpoints, not at the stadium itself. Cars can't get closer. Set your pickup point at a PPO to avoid confusion on the way home. Expect longer wait times and surge pricing after evening matches.
Jessica: "On our first visit, we tried to get an Uber to drop us at the front gate. That's not how it works. You get dropped at the checkpoint, go through security, and then walk to the entrance. So plan for the extra time."
What Time Do Gates Open at Roland Garros?
Gates open at 10 AM for main draw sessions (May 24 to June 7). During Opening Week (May 18 to 22), gates may open earlier (as early as 9 AM on some days), so check the official site for the exact daily schedule. The first matches on outside courts begin at 11 AM.
If you have a grounds pass and want to grab good seats on the smaller courts, arriving right at gate opening is worth it. For a less crowded entrance, arriving around 11:30 AM works well.
Night sessions on Philippe-Chatrier start at 8:15 PM, with gates opening at 6:30 PM. Arriving as the tournament shifts into the evening is its own experience. The temperature drops, the crowd tightens, and the intensity sharpens.
Jean-Paul: "Check the order of play (l'ordre de jeu, lordr duh zhuh) the evening before on the official app or rolandgarros.com. It tells you exactly which players are on which courts. Even loose planning makes your day noticeably better."
What Are the Main Courts at Roland Garros?
Court Philippe-Chatrier is the main stadium. It has had a retractable roof since 2020 and floodlights, which means play continues regardless of weather. No rain delays. This is where the biggest matches and all night sessions happen.
Court Suzanne-Lenglen is the second-largest venue. A new retractable roof was inaugurated in 2024, inspired by the pleated skirts designed by Jean Patou for tennis legend Suzanne Lenglen herself. The canvas unfolds in a way that genuinely looks like fabric. Lenglen tickets are day session only, covering four matches.
Court Simonne-Mathieu is the newest of the three show courts, sunken into the ground and surrounded by greenhouses from the neighboring Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil. It's architecturally distinctive and intimate.
Courts 1 to 14 are the outside courts. This is where grounds pass holders will spend most of their time. You're close enough to hear the players breathe between points.
Jessica: "Some of our most memorable Roland Garros moments have been on the outside courts during the first week. You'll see future stars, dramatic upsets, and you're right there, practically on top of the match."
Is Roland Garros Wheelchair Accessible?
Partially. Elevators and ramps exist throughout the stadium. Gate 50 near PPO Molitor offers priority access for visitors with reduced mobility. A dedicated drop-off zone is available at Gate 30 (8 boulevard d'Auteuil) with advance arrangement through FFT Customer Service. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on all show courts.
The distances between checkpoints and entrances are significant (up to 515 meters from PPO Auteuil to Gate 1), and crowds can make navigation difficult. The FFT has staff stationed around the stadium to assist. An audiodescription service is available for visually impaired visitors during quarter-final and later rounds via the official app.
What Is the Etiquette at Roland Garros?
This is France. There's a code. And the tennis etiquette at Roland Garros reflects French cultural values around respect (respeh) and politesse (poh-lee-tess).
Applaud good tennis from both players, not just the one you're rooting for.
Stay quiet during points. Talk, eat, and move around only during changeovers.
No flash photography.
Move between games, not during points. Ushers will hold you at the entrance until the right moment.
Jean-Paul: "French tennis crowds are knowledgeable and passionate, but we take the silence during points very seriously. You'll hear nothing during a crucial rally, and then the place erupts. It's one of the things that sets Roland Garros apart."
Can You Bring Food and Drinks into Roland Garros?
Yes. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the stadium. Glass bottles, alcohol, and sharp cutlery are prohibited. Water bottles must be 1.5 liters or less in size, and there are refill stations throughout the grounds. Bags must be 15 liters or less (anything larger must go to left luggage outside the checkpoints).
Jessica: "The food lines get long, especially during changeovers when everyone has the same idea. Our move is to pack a simple picnic: a baguette, some cheese, fruit. Eat between matches on the grass. It's faster, cheaper, and honestly more fun. It's also one of the most French things you can do."
What Food Is Available on the Grounds?
The food at Roland Garros has improved considerably in recent years. You'll find quick sandwiches, crêpes, sit-down restaurants, self-serve beer carts, and cocktail bars. A croque-monsieur (krok-muh-syur) with a glass of wine or a coupe de champagne (koop duh shahm-pan-yuh) in the stands? That's the Roland Garros experience. Expect stadium pricing though: €7 to €12 for drinks is normal.
What Should You Wear to Roland Garros?
Smart casual. You don't need to dress up, but leave the gym shorts, flip-flops, running vests, and dirty trainers at the hotel. Parisians dress well, even at sporting events. Stylish athleisure is fine.
Weather: Late May and early June in Paris are unpredictable. Mornings can be cool, afternoons hot, and a sudden downpour is always possible. Bring layers: a light sweater or jacket you can tie around your waist, plus a compact rain jacket.
What Should You Bring to Roland Garros?
Comfortable walking shoes (the grounds are hilly and uneven, so no heels, no flimsy sandals)
Sunscreen and a hat (you'll be in direct sun for hours on the outside courts)
A portable power bank (your phone is your ticket, your schedule, and your camera)
A small bag, 15 liters or less (larger bags are not permitted)
Cash, because not all vendors accept cards, especially smaller stands
A light rain jacket or poncho
An empty water bottle to refill at stations throughout the grounds
Is the Tenniseum Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially in 2026. The Tenniseum, Roland Garros's multimedia tennis museum, reopened in 2024 after extensive renovations. It now includes a museum gallery, exhibition rooms, and an auditorium. Entry is via Gate 4.
Jessica: "Even if you're not a tennis history buff, the Tenniseum is worth a visit, especially if you need a break from the sun or want to cool down for a bit."
What Are the Night Sessions Like at Roland Garros?
Night sessions on Philippe-Chatrier are their own event entirely. A single featured match starts at 8:15 PM under the floodlights. The atmosphere is completely different from daytime: cooler air, focused energy, tighter crowd. These require separate tickets from day sessions and sell fast.
Night session gates open at 6:30 PM. Night session tickets give you access to Philippe-Chatrier only, not the outside courts.
Jean-Paul: "If you can only do one session at Roland Garros and budget isn't the issue, go for a night session on Chatrier. The atmosphere under the lights, with the Parisian evening settling in around you... c'est magnifique (say man-yee-feek)."
What Off-Court Activities Are There in 2026?
Roland Garros has expanded its programming considerably. For 2026:
Urban tennis courts set up in front of the show courts (sponsored by Wilson), free to try
Beach tennis on Court 8 during the second week, with France's junior beach tennis team on hand
Padel on Court 5 during the second week, with exhibition matches
Pickleball on Court 5 (featured for the second consecutive year in 2025)
Player meet-and-greets at the Tenniseum (check the app and big screens for schedule)
Is Roland Garros Good for Kids?
Yes, with some caveats. Families are welcome, and the outside courts are well suited to younger visitors with shorter attention spans. The matches are exciting, you're close to the action, and you can move between courts easily.
The grounds are stroller-accessible but uneven, so a lightweight stroller handles the terrain better than a heavy one. The Opening Week and off-court activities (urban tennis, beach tennis, pickleball, the mural) are particularly family-friendly.
Keep in mind: there is no re-entry, the grounds cover a lot of territory, and bathroom queues can be long. Pack snacks, water, sunscreen, and patience.
Where Should You Eat Near Roland Garros?
After a long day, you probably won't want to cross Paris for dinner. Here are three spots near the stadium worth knowing about.
Le Tilleul is a bistro on a quiet street in Boulogne-Billancourt, just a few minutes' walk from the stadium. The food is honest, homemade French cooking: great burgers, well-prepared daily specials, solid desserts. The owners are friendly and attentive, and the terrace is a good place to sit after a match on a spring evening. Consistently rated around 4.6 on Google with enthusiastic reviews. This is our top pick.
O'Menu Bio is a small organic fast-casual spot on Rue du Château in Boulogne-Billancourt, serving fresh soups, salads, and light meals. Good if you want something healthy and quick. Important note: they're only open for lunch (11 AM to 3 PM), Monday through Friday. That means this works for a midday break during weekday sessions but isn't available on weekends or evenings.
Treize 13 au Clubhouse: Paris Jean Bouin is located at the nearby Stade Jean Bouin (5 Avenue de la Porte Molitor). It's a brunch-style café with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. Known for its vegetarian-friendly weekend brunch buffet (around €18 for all-you-can-eat) and a vibe that mixes southern comfort food with Parisian ease. Particularly popular during the tournament and on sunny days.
Practical Final Tips
Book accommodations well in advance. Paris during Roland Garros is busy. Hotels near Porte d'Auteuil, the Trocadéro area, or along Métro Line 10 are most convenient.
Don't try to "do it all." Let the day unfold. Some of our best Roland Garros moments have been unplanned: stumbling into a great outside court match, finding a quiet bench for a picnic, getting pulled into the crowd's energy during a long rally.
Download the Roland-Garros app before you go. It holds your tickets, shows the daily order of play, and provides real-time updates. Get comfortable with it before tournament day.
No re-entry. Once you leave the stadium, you cannot come back in. Plan your day accordingly.
Learn a few French tennis terms to follow along with the crowd:
Balle de match (bal duh match) = match point
Jeu décisif (zhuh day-see-zeef) = tiebreak
Avantage (ah-vahn-tazh) = advantage
Faute (foht) = fault
Filet (fee-lay) = net (as in "let" or a net cord)
Frequently Asked Questions About Roland Garros 2026
When is Roland Garros 2026? The tournament runs from May 18 to June 7, 2026. Qualifying is May 18 to 22. The main draw begins May 24. The women's final is Saturday, June 6 at 3 PM. The men's final is Sunday, June 7 at 3 PM.
How much do Roland Garros tickets cost? Prices vary widely depending on the court, round, and session. Official hotel-plus-ticket packages through Roland-Garros Travel start around €200 for Opening Week and €330 or more for main draw rounds. Reserved seats on Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen cost significantly more in later rounds. Grounds passes are the most affordable option.
Can you buy Roland Garros tickets at the gate? No. All tickets must be purchased in advance online and accessed through the official Roland-Garros mobile app. No tickets are sold at the stadium.
Is there re-entry at Roland Garros? No. Once you leave the stadium, your ticket is no longer valid.
What is the bag size limit? Bags must be 15 liters or less. Larger bags must be left at the luggage storage facilities located outside the Mandatory Checkpoints.
Can you bring food and water? Yes. You can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks. Water bottles must be 1.5 liters or less. Glass bottles, alcohol, and sharp cutlery are not allowed.
What is the best métro station for Roland Garros? Porte d'Auteuil on Line 10 is the closest, with a 1-minute walk to the PPO Auteuil checkpoint.
Does Roland Garros have a roof? Court Philippe-Chatrier has had a retractable roof since 2020. Court Suzanne-Lenglen received a retractable roof in 2024. Play on these two courts continues during rain.
Are night sessions separate tickets? Yes. Night session tickets are sold separately from day session tickets and only provide access to Philippe-Chatrier. Night sessions start at 8:15 PM.
Is Roland Garros accessible for wheelchair users? Partially. Elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible seating exist on all show courts. Gate 50 near PPO Molitor offers priority access. A drop-off zone at Gate 30 is available by advance arrangement.
Your First Visit Won't Be Your Last
Roland Garros puts tennis in a setting that doesn't exist anywhere else: red clay, champagne between sets, sharp fashion in the stands, and a Parisian crowd that lives and dies with every point. A little preparation goes a long way, and once you've been, you'll understand why people come back year after year.
Jean-Paul: "In France, we say that Roland Garros is not just a tournament. C'est une fête (say tewn fet). A celebration. Come for the tennis, stay for everything else."
Jessica: "And don't forget the sunscreen. Seriously! Every year."
About the Authors
Jean-Paul grew up in Burgundy and has lived in France his entire life. Jessica is American and has been traveling to France for more than twenty years. They started Bonjour Guide because the most useful information about France tends to be the hardest to find. Meet Jean-Paul and Jessica.
